>From kevyn@aol.com Thu Dec 9 19:14:01 1993
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Position on Anti-Gay ballot referenda
June 30, 1993
RESOLUTION ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS, SERVICES
AND PROGRAMS
WHEREAS,
The publicly supported library is the only instution established to provide
free and equal access to information for all people of the community it
serves; and
WHEREAS,
The Library Bill of Rights and it's interpretations are the basic policies
that guide libraries in the provision of services, materials and programs in
a manner that guarantees each individual's right to access to
constitutionally protected expression; and
WHEREAS,
Throughout the United States there are attempts to seek legal action such as
legislation, ballot initiatives, and state constitutional amendments, that
would have the effect of limiting the diversity of library collections,
services or programs or restricting minors' access to specific materials,
services or programs; and
WHEREAS,
These limitations are intended to require libraries to discriminate in favor
of one set of values over all others; and
WHEREAS,
Requiring libraries to limit access to minors interferes with the rights and
responsibilities of parents to guide their own children in their use of the
library; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
That the American Library Association affirms that forcing libraries to
violate the principles embodied in the Library Bill of Rights and its
Interpretations seriously abridges the First Amendment rights of people of
all ages served by the affected libraries; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That The American Library Association opposes any action that would limit the
diversity of library collections, services or programs, or would restrict
minors' access to library materials, services or programs; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That the American Library Association opposes any action that forces
libraries to set policies that violate First Amendment Rights; and be it
further
RESOLVED,
That copies of this resolution be transmitted to all state chapters, state
association intellectual freedom committees and state libraries.
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL
OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
June 30 1993